Topwaterspook

I just read that Joe Thomas' dad, who is 78 finally got his DD a 10-2. His photo shows a big ole smile !

Scott has been sending me reports of the recent success at the lake. He's gotten me really fired up. The biggest he mentioned was 11-8, plus LOTS of 10s and 9s. He'll be down the week after us.

When things get tough, I go back to some basics; Sluggos and Senkos, weighted to suit the situations. I've recently started using paddletail soft baits with good success as well. When weighting such lures I have been using #14 solid, copper wire cut to the desired length to sink the baits with the correct fall rate. I also have been using Megastrike scents. Good luck.

No I didn't , Dwight. I just checked. .................Topwater@zbzoom.net

Thanks , fellas. I truly do appreciate the opportunity to do it once again. My fishin' partner has told me he may not be able to swing a yearly trip any longer. So that makes this one even more special.

Southward bound in a week. Now the anticipation has kicked in. I can hardly wait.

WTG , Bill. I'm glad you got the chance to get out again. What a great way to spend Father's Day.

On topwater baits, I generally tie up new trebles with feathers and a few strands of mylar to add a bit of flash on the rear hook.

Got into the stripers again this morning. They were smashing zara puppies. At 10 am they shut down as if someone had pulled the switch.

Today is the kind of day a guys wants every time out. First off, all my local fishing friends were busy, so I had to take the boat alone. The grand tally was ............a striper, 15 total largemouth ( biggest , just over 3 ) , a walleye, a crappie, and a perch. Almost all caught on a Spro Little John, cellmate pattern. To top it all off; I saw a giant snapping turtle, three ospreys and had a mature bald eagle perch in a tree right overhead. Dang it was a good day !!

LOL ..............yep !

I got to do a little shore fishing this afternoon. It was windy and the the barometer was falling. Through trial and error I finally started getting bit on a chrome and blue lipless crankbait. The three fish I caught were 2 & 3 pounders. The problem was how many similar ones I lost! My hooks were sharp but they kept throwing the bait when I got them in close. Sometimes I just get frustrated with myself. I was apparently letting them have too much slack.

Congratulations on that fish. You've just opened up your own "Pandora's Box". Now you'll keep trying to increase that personal best. The very best of luck to you. Coupled with BR, I'm sure you'll accomplish that quickly.

If you can find some, give Sizemic toads a try. Rig the smaller ones weightless on a 2/0 or 3/0 round bend thin wire hook. The white and southern toad colors will float. I have had good success on them in overgrown, weedy ponds.

Welcome aboard , Nick. It's always good to have more regional representation. I hope your success keeps growing and your sons interest in the sport grows as well.

I agree with the bigger baits theory. A largemouth bass will eat something 1/3 it's own length.

I retired a chrome and black 3/4 oz. rattletrap that I used on my first trip to Mexico. It is the very next thing to being destroyed. I have it mounted in a small frame. Each time I see it, It brings back great memories.

Boston, don't give up on a baitcaster. Once you've established some degree of success, I'm sure you'll be pleased. Yesterday, while bank fishing, I used one of my old spinning outfits just because of the dense shore growth. I couldn't wait to go back to my level wind reel. Hang in there, it may take a while to get proficient with the new outfit. Good luck.

Great outing, great pics, great memories. Thanks for sharing the experience and the sport with Hunter and the rest of us.

WTG , Andy. Nice smallie.

It snowed here this morning. It's supposed to get down to freezing tonight. This is gonna set the bass fishing back a few days

Casey does a great job on these baits. I like them a lot. I think you'd be well satisfied.

I use it as leader material. Other than that I'm not a big fan.

Just be polite and respectful. Ask for permission and assure the owner that you'll not leave anything but footprints. it's like summing up the courage to ask the most beautiful girl out, if successful, it's definitely worth the chance of rejection. Yes there are those that simply will not allow you to fish.......... Another thing I do once I have their permission , is to carry a trash bag and police up any litter I may find. This has made a favorable impression on several of the owners I've come to know. Good luck.

Our local hunting and fishing club. Around 2000 members.